Why Early Intervention Matters: Helping Your Baby or Toddler Overcome Developmental Delays
As a parent, it’s difficult to figure out where to start when you realize your child needs support toward reaching their milestones. Whether it’s delayed speech and language, difficulty with motor skills, or difficulty transitioning to solids, these concerns can make you feel uncertain about what services to seek out first. But what if you knew there was something you could do now, that could make a huge difference in progressing your child toward increased independence?
Early intervention is one of the most effective ways to help babies and toddlers work toward strengthening skills for their activities of daily living. Activities of daily living are anything the child must do within their daily routine to access their environment. Since the first three years of life are critical for brain development, addressing these areas of difficulty early in life is crucial for better long-term outcomes.
If you’ve noticed your child struggling with any of the following, you might be wondering where to turn for help:
Common Developmental Concerns in Babies and Toddlers
1. Speech or Language Delays 🗣️
If you notice your child isn’t babbling by 6 months, has difficulty using pre-language gestures (e.g., pointing, clapping, waving, etc.), or has not said their first words by around 12 months of age, this could be an early sign they require speech and language support. Struggling to communicate can lead to increased frustration due to difficulty requesting basic wants and needs.
2. Motor Skill Challenges 🤸
Does your baby or toddler have difficulty with motor skills like rolling, sitting, crawling, or walking? Delays in gross or fine motor skills can affect the child’s ability to access their environment.
3. Social or Emotional Concerns 🧸
If your child has trouble engaging with others or has difficulty regulating their emotions, this might indicate an area where they could benefit from early intervention support. Social and emotional development is a foundational skill for building relationships with peers and adults.
4. Sensory Sensitivities 🙉
Do various sensory experiences overwhelm your child? A few examples of this are avoidance of certain textures, becoming upset when exposed to certain sounds, or reluctance to participate in certain routine tasks (cutting their hair, etc.). Sensory processing challenges may contribute to difficulty accessing the child’s environment or daily routine in a safe and stress-free manner.
Why Acting Early Makes a Big Difference
As parents, we all want the best for our children aspiring to provide them with the tools to give them success in life. The best tool in your parental tool belt is early intervention support! Early intervention is essential for addressing developmental concerns to maximize your child’s independence.
The first three years of a child’s life are critical for brain development. During this period, the brain is highly adaptable and able to form new connections. The earlier areas of support are identified, the better chance a child has to develop skills to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
When developmental delays are left unaddressed, they can lead to more significant challenges as children grow. For example, a toddler with a speech delay might struggle with language and communication skills as they enter school, leading to difficulties in social interactions and academic performance. The longer these challenges persist, the harder they are to overcome.
The Benefits of Early Intervention Therapy
Improved Outcomes
Research consistently shows that early intervention can lead to better outcomes in speech and language, motor skills, and overall development. Children who receive therapy early on are more likely to make gains that will improve the child and their family’s quality of life.
Confidence and Independence
Therapy helps children gain the skills they need to succeed in everyday life. Whether it’s learning to communicate effectively, improve motor skills, or regulate their emotions, therapy gives children the tools to navigate the world with confidence.
Strengthened Family Relationships
When parents and caregivers understand their child’s developmental areas of support and learn strategies to facilitate them at home, it helps to expedite the child’s progress. Gains made in therapy improve familial dynamics between the caregivers and the child. Family-centered therapy ensures everyone is involved in the child’s progress.
How Can You Help Your Child?
If you’re concerned about your child’s development, it’s important to seek resources as soon as possible. These professionals may be the expert on child development but you are the expert on your child! Collaboration with your child’s therapist helps to ensure that progress is made in all areas of concern. Your child’s development journey is one you never have to walk alone!
At Brave Wings Therapy, we specialize in early intervention for children ages birth to 3 years old. We offer a range of play-based and child-led therapies tailored to your child’s specific needs, including:
Speech Therapy: Helps your child develop the speech and language skills they need to communicate effectively.
Occupational Therapy: Assists your child in improving their motor skills to support increased participation in their activities of daily living.
Feeding Therapy: Supports children with food selectivity, reduced oral motor skills, and much more build exposure to new foods through play to increase their confidence and comfort regarding mealtime.
Insurance Coverage and Costs: Making Therapy Accessible
We understand that the cost of therapy can be a concern for many families. At Brave Wings Therapy, we are proud to accept insurance for our services, making it easier for families to access the care their children need. We work with most major insurance providers, and we encourage parents to contact us for more information about their specific coverage.
Additionally, you may be wondering if New Jersey state offers any coverage for early intervention services. Yes! New Jersey has an Early Intervention Program (EIP) that provides services to children under 3 years old who are at risk for developmental delays. The program may cover services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, and more, depending on eligibility. We can assist you in navigating this process and help determine if your child qualifies for state-funded services.
Why Choose Brave Wings Therapy?
At Brave Wings Therapy, we take a whole-child approach to therapy, understanding that every child is unique. Through a lens of interdisciplinary collaboration, our team provides individualized care that focuses on the child’s strengths while addressing their challenges. We also empower parents by offering guidance and support every step of the way, helping you integrate therapy techniques into your daily routine at home.
If you’re concerned about your child’s development or have questions about how therapy can help, Brave Wings Therapy is here to help. Our compassionate team in North NJ is committed to making sure your child has the best possible start in life.
Contact Us Today 📞
Don’t wait to address developmental concerns. Early intervention is key, and Brave Wings Therapy is here to guide you and your child on the path to success. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a brighter future for your child.
🌐 www.bravewingstherapy.com
📱 (973) 800-8515
